Kentucky Workers Compensation



Guide to Kentucky Workers Compensation Laws

If you have been injured on the job in the state of Kentucky, you may be entitled to benefits from workers compensation insurance in Kentucky.  Kentucky workers compensation laws provide temporary and permanent disability benefits, as well as compensation for medical bills, for most workers who have suffered an on the job injury or occupational illness.  This guide will teach you about the system for workers compensation insurance in Kentucky, including eligibility and what to do if your employer denies your benefits.

Who Can Collect Workers Compensation Insurance in Kentucky?

Almost all workers are covered by Kentucky workers compensation laws.  Employers are required to provide workers compensation insurance in Kentucky for all employees, whether temporary or permanent, full time or part time.  It does not matter how long you have been working in your place of employment—Kentucky workers compensation laws cover workers even on their first day of working in a new job.

What Injuries and Illnesses are Covered?

If you were injured during the course of performing your job duties, it is very likely you qualify for benefits from workers compensation insurance in Kentucky.  Whether the injury was in a workplace or in your vehicle while performing job duties (like traveling from one worksite to another), you will be entitled to compensation under Kentucky workers compensation laws.  Even if an on the job accident was your fault, you will be compensated as long as you did not intentionally cause your own injuries.

In many cases, illnesses may also qualify you to collect workers compensation insurance in Kentucky.  Kentucky workers compensation laws require employers to compensate employees for any illness that was caused or exacerbated by job duties.  For example, if you experienced carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of repetitive stress injuries from your work duties, your employer's workers compensation insurance in Kentucky will pay for your carpal tunnel-related expenses.

In order for your illness or injury to be covered by Kentucky workers compensation laws, you are required to report it to your employer as quickly as possible after you find out about the illness or injury.  If you wait more than 120 days to report your illness or injury, workers compensation insurance in Kentucky will not cover your expenses.

What if My Compensation is Denied?

Employers are required by Kentucky workers compensation laws to report your injury to the Workers Compensation Board soon after you are hurt.  If your employer or your employer's workers compensation insurance in Kentucky denies your benefits, you have the right to file a benefits claim.  When you make a claim for benefits, Kentucky workers compensation laws entitle you to a fair hearing where you and your employer can both talk about your side of the story.

In order to have the best chance of receiving benefits after your hearing, you should talk to an attorney who has experience helping workers to claim benefits with workers compensation insurance in Kentucky.  Many of these attorneys charge contingency fees, allowing you to receive compensation under Kentucky workers compensation laws without paying any attorney fees before you collect your first check.

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